How to plan for a loft conversion

Loft conversions are a wonderful way to add more space to your home without the need to move house, meaning you can stay put for many years to come. Converted lofts are ideal for an extra bedroom, if you’ve got a growing family, and are also perfect as a living room, a study, or even a games room. While they are a great solution to the problem of space, there are a few things you need to be aware of before any building work begins.

1. Check you can accommodate a staircase

This may seem obvious, but it’s not just any staircase you will need; it’s a permanent one. This means you need plenty of available space for the staircase in the below room.

2. Check if you need planning permission

Most loft conversions don’t require planning permission, but it is still an important thing to check before you get started with researching the idea any further. A quick check with your local council could avoid a legal nightmare further down the line.

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5 tasks to complete before starting building work

Whether you’re having work done to your own house or a commercial property, there are certain things you need to know and do before any work can commence. Read through our five key points and get prepared for any future building work you might be planning.

1. Check the legalities

As the owner of the property, it is your responsibility to comply with all the relevant planning rules and building regulations when undertaking any building work. You may also need to check land boundaries and apply for planning permission. Additionally, you may want to consider extra insurance, depending on the work that is being done.

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Can you recycle your coffee cup?

A morning coffee is an essential part of the wake-up routine for many people, and the proliferation of high-quality takeaway coffee houses in towns and city centres nationwide has meant that it’s easier than ever to get that cuppa – albeit a paper one – during your commute, rather than having to contend with pods and filter papers at home within moments of opening your eyes.

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How landlords can attract new tenants

First time buyers are getting older, more families are renting now than ten years ago, and fewer private renters expect to ever own their own home. While this may be bad news for some, for a landlord or lady like yourself, this can only be music to your ears! The rental sector is currently booming. But how do you encourage potential tenants to view and choose your property to rent, instead of the seven other properties on the same street? These tips and tricks should help you to receive a constant cash flow.

Prior to property viewings

If your property has been sat empty for a while, arrive early to open the windows and air the rooms, and collect any post that has arrived. If your previous tenant has just moved out, you have some work to do!

Image credit: Voy
Image credit: Voy

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Best Food Apps for food waste

There are all kinds of New Year’s resolutions to make associated with food – eating less or aiming for a more balanced diet, cooking from ingredients rather than processed foods, buying local produce to reduce your carbon footprint, and so on.

Here are some of the best Food Apps for food waste, which doesn’t necessarily mean cutting down on the amount of your own food you waste, but can also mean working with local businesses to make better use of food resources overall.

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How to spring clean your home

There are many cleaning jobs around the home that get forgotten about or ignored during the hustle and bustle of our busy daily lives. However, now is a good time to tackle those tasks, shift the grime build-up, and have a declutter. It sounds like hard work, but it’s actually very satisfying, and your house and family will thank you for it.

Hiring a skip may help your spring cleaning, as you’ll no doubt uncover lots of clutter you no longer need along the way.

This guide will help you organise this year’s spring clean, and make sure you don’t forget any important jobs.

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Fly tipping costs £1.2m since 2010

The blight of fly tipping in the UK’s beauty spots since 2010 has diverted over £1.2 million from funds that could otherwise be used to protect woodland against disease, or to plant new trees to create future forests.

Figures from the Woodland Trust show 2016 was the worst year on record for the crime, with a total clean-up cost of over £350,000 – more than a quarter of the entire amount spent since the start of the decade.

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Money saving life hacks for the new year

If you’re looking to save money in the new year, there are some simple steps you can take around the house to cut down on your essential outgoings, reduce household waste and potentially learn a new craft all at the same time.

Here are just a few things to try, which should help you through the new year with a few more funds leftover.

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